Get the appGerald Coetzee will make his Test return for South Africa in the third match against Australia at Newlands. The 26-year-old replaces Anrich Nortje, who injured his groin after bowling only 3.3 overs in the second Test. Captain Temba Bavuma said Coetzee's consistent pace above 140kph earned him the spot. It will be Coetzee's first Test in almost two years. Keshav Maharaj misses out again, with Simon Harmer retained as the spinner.
Australia has released Nic Maddinson and back-up wicketkeeper Sam Harper from the Test squad ahead of the Cape Town series decider against South Africa. Matthew Renshaw now looks likely to open the batting after Maddinson passed double figures only once in four innings. Steve Smith faces a fitness test on his neck, while Marnus Labuschagne must hold his No.3 spot as Cameron Green and Josh Inglis return from injury. Selectors meet on Monday to finalise the team, with Nathan Lyon a strong contender to return to the side.
Ira Aery, a Victorian-contracted player, headlines the Cricket Victoria Metro squad for the upcoming Under-19 Female National Championships. Aery made her Victorian debut last season. Three players who represented Victoria in the September second XI series against South Australia also made the squad: Noura Abdul Qader, Eva Baird and Jasmine Kamboj. This year's preparation has put more emphasis on strength and conditioning, fielding and cricket IQ. Pathway physical performance specialist Mitchell Craze has led an enhanced strength and conditioning program, with players making significant physical gains in a short time.
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Get the appMatthew Breetzke is set to return to South Africa's Test team for the second match against Australia at St George's Park in Gqeberha. Tristan Stubbs has been dropped from an extended 17-player squad. Kyle Verreynne has lost the wicketkeeping role, with Ryan Rickelton taking the gloves instead. Kagiso Rabada is hoping to return from a hamstring injury, while Anrich Nortje's availability is in doubt. South Africa lost the first Test by 214 runs.
The Wallaroos will face Scotland in a Test at Stadium Australia on Saturday, but fullback Caitlyn Halse has been ruled out with concussion symptoms. Winger Maya Stewart returns to the starting side after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, and Desiree Miller moves to fullback. Siokapesi Palu Sekona and Pia Tapsell swap back-row positions. The Wallaroos are seeking back-to-back wins over Scotland, having won 30-10 in Edinburgh last month. The match is part of a rugby quadruple header, with the Wallabies, the Australian women's and men's sevens, and the Wallabies' Test rivals also playing that day.
Newcastle Knights hooker Olivia Higgins has been named in the 23-player Jillaroos squad for the Rugby League World Cup, to be held on home soil. Higgins, 34, is considering retirement next season. The top-ranked Jillaroos open their title defence this Friday against Fetu Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney. Isabelle Kelly has been promoted to captain. Broncos veteran Ali Brigginshaw was overlooked for the squad, though coach Jess Skinner has said she will be kept around the 2026 World Cup group.
Germany beat the Matildas 4-2 in Karlsruhe as both sides prepare for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. Germany scored twice early, and Sam Kerr headed in a goal just before half-time. Camilla Kuver scored for Germany in the 83rd minute. Holly McNamara scored a late goal for Australia, but Sjoeke Nusken struck the final goal for Germany. Defender Tori Tumeth made her debut off the bench for the Matildas.